CIOs need to get IT engaged with the business

Chief information officers (CIOs) will need to work hard in 2011 to ensure that the IT function is fully integrated and accountable to the business, according to the latest predictions from Ovum.

The analyst firm's top 10 trends for enterprise IT includes the usual suspects of security, mobility and cloud services, but draws attention to overlooked areas such as improving collaboration and managing data more effectively.

Another area that is often missed is IT financial management and investment, explained Ovum analyst Mark Blowers.

"There is a lot of talk about IT providing value, but more and more the IT organisation has to be accountable," he said.

"So it needs to get its own financial house in order and provide financial metrics and information that the business can understand."

Another way to prove IT's value to the business in 2011 could be helping the organisation to meet sustainability targets by using new technologies.

"Our view is that, more than aligning IT with the business, it will be integrated and engaged, not just following what the organisation wants to do," said Blowers.

"Business analytics is another way that IT can provide visibility for the whole organisation."

The analyst also warned that the rise of machine-to-machine computing and automated business processes could have knock-on effects for which CIOs should be prepared, such as increased data volumes on the network.